We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culture

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is the Hopi Reservation?

By Liz Fernandez
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,118
Share

Hopi Native Americans are a tight-knit, religious society that identifies with their villages and clans. The Hopi Reservation is located in Northern Arizona and occupies many acres in Navajo and Coconino counties. It is completely encircled by the Navajo Indian Reservation and is neighbored by the cities of Phoenix and Tucson. Founded in 1150, the Old Oraibi settlement on the reservation is believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited village in the United States (US).

There are 12 traditional villages that house about 10,000 tribal members on the Hopi Reservation. The Walpi village, also one of the oldest settlements in the US, is known for its scenic high-rise dwellings. Each village has its own government, rules, and clans.

All of the Hopi Reservation villages are divided into three areas that are referred to as mesas. Walpi, which was founded in 1690, resides in the First Mesa. These villages are known for white hand-coiled pottery. The Second Mesa is comprised of three villages and is known for talented silversmiths and coiled plaques. Old Oraibi is part of the Third Mesa.

Within the Hopi Reservation, there are 34 living clans. Each clan passes along its history through oral stories and is responsible for honoring sacred objects specific to the clan. Holding office in the Hopi Reservation depends on the clan to which a tribal member belongs. Certain offices must rotate between different clans. The Hopi cannot marry members of their own clan because they are all considered family.

Cultural celebrations on the Hopi Reservation, such as religious ceremonies, snake dances, and flute ceremonies, are closed to the public. Some social dances, however, remain open to curious outsiders. Photography, video, audio recording, note-taking, and sketching are not allowed within the reservation.

Kachina ceremonies are performed by men wearing masks for the purpose of bringing rain to water the crops. The Hopi believe these ceremonies bring good health, happiness, and harmony to the universe. A snake dance involves tribal members that handle poisonous and nonpoisonous snakes during the ceremony, which lasts 16 days. Hopi men form pairs of dancers where one carries the snake in his mouth while the other uses an eagle feather to distract the reptile. The snakes are believed to carry prayers for rain to the underworld spirits.

Many visitors make their way to the Hopi Reservation to purchase baskets, pottery, and silver jewelry crafted by Native American. Guided tours of the Walpi village are also available. These tours inform visitors about the history of the village and about the local culture. Ceremonial rooms, known as kivas and ruins, are off limits to visitors.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-the-hopi-reservation.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.